Landmark Year for Marine Reserve

2009 is a landmark year for the Marine Reserve, which celebrates its Silver Jubilee this year. On 18th August 1984, Sir David Bellamy jumped into the water at St Abbs harbour so declaring Scotland�s first Marine Reserve open.

National Trust for Scotland Ranger for the Reserve, Liza Cole, says �Just establishing the VMR in the first place was ground-breaking stuff, and involved an enormous number of people, and an awful lot of discussions to resolve conflicts between various parties. Since then, the Reserve has continued to lead the way in community-led marine conservation.�

As Marine Ranger, Liza�s job is to look after the day-to-day management of the VMR and bring about its aims to conserve the rich marine wildlife of the area, educate people about the marine environment and promote responsible use of the coastal waters.

Liza continues �I feel very honoured to be at the helm as the Reserve reaches such a significant milestone. A whole year of celebratory events is being planned which I hope will bring enjoyment to a lot of people, whilst also reflecting the amount of work that has been put in by so many people over the years.�